Cap Back
ca. 1740 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This cap back forms part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement.
Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and good taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers.
Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and good taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Bobbin lace worked in linen thread |
| Brief description | Cap back, bobbin lace, made ca.1740, Brussels |
| Physical description | Cap back of bobbin lace, in floral pattern. Very fine work. For a number of years, for display purposes, the cap back has been joined to the lappets T.26-1947. They have a similar patten, but were probably not originally matching. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Her Majesty Queen Mary, Consort of King George V |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This cap back forms part of a headdress, known as a ‘lace head’ in the 18th century. It was composed of a curved panel, the cap back, to which two long streamers were attached, called lappets. The whole ensemble was finished with a lace frill. The lappets might be pinned up on top of the head in pleats, but more usually were left to hang loose, fluttering with the slightest movement. Among the various items of Englishwomen’s fashionable dress for which lace was used in the 18th century, the lace head was a particular focus for the display of wealth and good taste. The quality of the lace, the excellence of its design and fine workmanship, and thus its likely expense, would be immediately apparent to observers. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.27-1947 |
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| Record created | May 15, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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